Olga & Matthew's Wedding - Tara Lauren Real Love Tara Lauren

Meet Olga and Matt, whose love story began in a cozy Fort Collins coffee shop on a rainy day in 2018. From there, their journey led to a surprise beachfront proposal in Fort Myers, against a stunning sunset backdrop. Their wedding day was a blend of Olga’s girly and romantic style, with personalized touches, a mouthwatering menu curated by two foodies, and the perfect spring weather. And of course, Olga stole the show in her floral ‘Layla’ gown, making their day truly unforgettable.⁠

Of her LAYLA gown, Olga said: “I knew what I wanted my wedding dress to look like since I was a child. So, I only visited one wedding dress shop. I came in with a specific vision and designer in mind and ended up choosing a dress completely different from what I originally wanted.

After I tried it on, I went home and did not come back for a second appointment until a month later. During this time, I could not get Layla out of my head, I kept looking at the pictures of me in it and fell in love with it every time. This dress was everything; it was different, classy, sexy, and romantic, all at the same time. Not only did this dress checked all the boxes, but also had delicate flower details that went perfectly with our garden-themed wedding. When I came back for my second appointment, I tried on all the dresses I have once loved (and almost said yes to) in the past, however, none of them compared to Layla. I have never felt more confident and beautiful in anything I have ever worn. Layla is truly a masterpiece.”

Names: Olga & Matt

Wedding Date: 4.8.23

Guest Number: 80

Wedding Location: Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Photographer: Epic Photography

Tell Us Your Love Story

How did you meet?

We met in 2018 on a rainy day in a coffee shop in Fort Collins, CO, where we both went to college. Our conversations from that day felt so natural and easy, we ended up talking for hours because we had so many things in common despite growing up in completely different countries. After that day, I was gone all summer for traveling, so we saw each other again three months later and it felt like we had known each other for a long time. Shortly after, we started officially dating and have been inseparable ever since. Matt has been the most positive presence in my life and I am eternally grateful our paths crossed at the right time.

How Did He Put A Ring On It?

In 2021, we flew to Fort Myers, FL to spend Thanksgiving with his parents. The day before Thanksgiving, I was told we were all going to go a restaurant at the beach for dinner. I had the feeling he was going to propose during this trip since we had been talking about getting engaged, but I had no idea he was going to do it that day. After strolling on the beach, he suddenly got on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was so special because I did not see it coming at all and we had the most beautiful sunset in the background. His parents took our photos and then we celebrated with a nice dinner by the beach.

Where did you draw inspiration from?

I have always been a “girly girl” and a hopeless romantic so I wanted our wedding to represent these elements. One of my favorite elements was having pink bow-shaped napkins. Our wedding planner, Angela Marie, exceeded all my expectations and helped bring my vision to life.

What made the wedding personal to you?

We both are avid foodies; we spent the longest time customizing our dinner menu. It was very important for us to serve the foods that we love the most on our special day. Our first date was at Ben & Jerry’s so we were excited to choose them to cater for dessert. We picked our favorite flavors and served a sundae bar with toppings, which was everyone’s favorite! We both also love southern comfort food so we had different stations and a mac n’ cheese bar. As for me personally, I was born and raised in Bolivia, so it was also very special to have my immediate family and childhood friends fly internationally to be a part of our wedding. It felt like having a piece of home with me.

What were you most nervous or excited about?

I was very nervous about the weather. The days leading up to our wedding day were rainy and cold. We were going to have an outdoors ceremony so I was praying it would not rain. Our wedding day ended up being surprisingly sunny with the perfect spring temperatures.

Something I was the most excited about was definitely having a small, intimate wedding with all my closest friends and family reunited in the same room. Our wedding was every introvert’s dream!

Now, the most important part – the Dress!

Tell us about your dress?

I knew what I wanted my wedding dress to look like since I was a child. So, I only visited one wedding dress shop. I came in with a specific vision and designer in mind and ended up choosing a dress completely different from what I originally wanted.

After trying on about 10 dresses on my first appointment, I had a few favorites in mind. I remember I was getting ready to leave when my stylist (Graci) said: “Wait, there is one more dress you need to try on”. This was the moment I was introduced to ‘Layla’ in ivory/blush by Tara Lauren. After I tried it on, I went home and did not come back for a second appointment until a month later. During this time, I could not get Layla out of my head, I kept looking at the pictures of me in it and fell in love with it every time. This dress was everything; it was different, classy, sexy, and romantic, all at the same time. Not only did this dress checked all the boxes, but also had delicate flower details that went perfectly with our garden-themed wedding. When I came back for my second appointment, I tried on all the dresses I have once loved (and almost said yes to) in the past, however, none of them compared to Layla. I have never felt more confident and beautiful in anything I have ever worn. Layla is truly a masterpiece.

What stockist did you get it from?

I purchased my dress from A&Bé in Denver, CO!

What was your most memorable moment from your day?

It is very difficult to pick from so many! But if I had to pick one it would be our private last dance at the end of the night. When our guests were lining up for our send-off, Matt and I had a private last dance with our live band playing “You’re in Love” by Taylor Swift, which has been one of my favorite love songs since I was a teen. We both loved being able to take a moment, reflect on our wedding day, and have the dance floor all to ourselves. This moment felt like a movie and I will always remember it.